 8 Uncle, could you lend me a nine-pence? I'll return it as soon as I get my pocket-money," said Rose, coming into the library in a great hurry that evening. I think I could, and I won't charge any interest for it, so you need not be in any hurry to repay me. "'Come back here and help me settle these books, if you have nothing pleasanter to do,' answered Dr. Alec, handing out the money with that readiness which is so delightful when we ask small loans. "'I'll come in a minute. I've been longing to fix my books, but I didn't dare to touch them because you always shake your head when I read. I shall shake my head when you write, if you don't do it better than you did in making out this catalogue. I know it's bad, but I was in a hurry when I did it, and I am in one now. And away went Rose, glad to escape a lecture. But she got it when she came back, for Uncle Alec was still knitting his brows over the list of books, and sternly demanded, pointing to a tipsy-looking title staggering down the page. Is that meant for pulverized bones, ma'am? No, sir, it's paradise lost. "'Well, I'm glad to know it, for I began to think you were planning to study surgery or farming. And what is this, if you please? Baby's aprons is all I can make of it.' Rose looked hard at the scrawl, and presently announced with an air of superior wisdom. Oh, that's Bacon's essays. Miss Power did not teach anything so old-fashioned as writing, I see. Now look at this memorandum Aunt Plenty gave me, and see what a handsome, plain hand that is. She went to a dame school and learned a few useful things as well. That is better than a smattering of half a dozen so-called higher branches. I take the liberty of thinking. Well, I'm sure I was considered a bright girl at school, and learned everything I was taught. Lully and me were the first in all our classes, and, specially praised for our French and music, and those sorts of things, said Rose, rather offended at Uncle Alex's criticism. I dare say, but if your French grammar was no better than your English, I think the praise was not deserved, my dear. Why, Uncle, we did study English grammar, and I could parse beautifully. Miss Power used to have us up to show off when people came. I don't see, but I talk as right as most girls. I dare say you do, but we are all too careless about our English. Now think a minute, and tell me if these expressions are correct. Lully and me, those sort of things, and as right as most girls. Rose pulled her pet curl and put up her lip, but had to own that she was wrong, and said meekly after a pause which threatened to be sulky. I suppose I should have said Lully and I in that case, and that sort of things, and, rightly, though correctly would have been a better word, I guess. Thank you, and if you will kindly drop, I guess, I shall like my little Yankee all the better. Now see here, Rosie, I don't pretend to set myself up for a model in anything, and you may come down on my grammar, manners, or morals, as often as you think I'm wrong, and I'll thank you. I've been knocking about the world for years, and have got careless, but I want my girl to be what I call well-educated, even if she studies nothing but the three Rs for a year to come. Let us be thorough, no matter how slowly we go." He spoke so earnestly and looked so sorry to have ruffled her that Rose went and sat on the arm of his chair, saying, with a pretty air of penitence, I'm sorry I was cross-uncle when I ought to thank you for taking so much interest in me. I guess, no, I think you are right about being thorough, for I used to understand a great deal better when Papa taught me a few lessons than when Miss Power hurried me through so many. I declare my head used to be such a jumble of French and German, history and arithmetic, grammar and music, I used to feel sometimes as if it would split. I'm sure I don't wonder it ached, and she held on to it as if the mere memory of the jumble made it swim. Yet that is considered an excellent school, I find, and I dare say it would be if the benighted lady did not think it necessary to cram her pupils like thanksgiving turkeys instead of feeding them in a natural and wholesome way. It is the fault with most American schools, and the poor little heads will go on aching till we learn better. This was one of Dr. Alex's hobbies, and Rose was afraid he was off for a gallop, but he reigned himself in and gave her thoughts a new turn by saying, suddenly, as he pulled out a fat pocket-book. Uncle Mac has put all your affairs into my hands now, and here is your month's pocket money. You keep your own little accounts, I suppose. Thank you. Yes, Uncle Mac gave me an account-book when I went to school, and I used to put down my expenses, but I couldn't make them go very well, for figures are the one thing I am not at all clever about," said Rose, rummaging in her desk for a dilapidated little book, which she was ashamed to show when she found it. Well, as figures are rather important things to most of us, and you may have a good many accounts to keep some day, wouldn't it be wise to begin at once and learn to manage your pennies before the pounds come to perplex you? I thought you would do all that fussy part and take care of the pounds, as you call them. Need I worry about it? I do hate some, so. I shall take care of things till you are of age, but I mean that you shall know how your property is managed, and do as much of it as you can by and by. Then you won't be dependent on the honesty of other people. Gracious me, as if I wouldn't trust you with millions of billions if I had them, cried Rose, scandalized at the mere suggestion. Ah, but I might be tempted. Guardians are sometimes, so you'd better keep your eye on me, and in order to do that you must learn all about these affairs, answered Dr. Alec, as he made an entry in his own very neat account-book. Rose peeped over his shoulder at it, and then turned to the arithmatical puzzle in her hand with a sigh of despair. Uncle, when you add up your expenses, do you ever find you have got more money than you had in the beginning? No, I usually find that I have a good deal less than I had in the beginning. Are you troubled in the peculiar way you mention? Yes, it is very curious, but I never can make things come out square. Perhaps I can help you, began Uncle Alec, in the most respectful tone. I think you had better, for if I have got to keep accounts I may as well begin the right way. But please don't laugh, I know I'm very stupid, and my book is a disgrace, but I never could get it straight. And with great trepidation Rose gave up her funny little accounts. It really was good in Dr. Alec not to laugh, and Rose felt deeply grateful when he said in a mildly suggestive tone. The dollars and cents seemed to be rather mixed. Perhaps if I just straightened them out a bit we should find things all right. Please do, and then show me on a fresh leaf how to make mine look nice and ship-shape as yours do. As Rose stood by him watching the ease with which he quickly brought order out of chaos, she privately resolved to hunt up her old arithmetic and perfect herself in the first four rules with a good tug at fractions before she read any more fairy tales. Am I a rich girl, Uncle, she asked suddenly as he was copying a column of figures? Rather a poor one, I should say, since you had to borrow a nine-pence. That was your fault because you forgot my pocket money, but really shall I be rich by and by? I'm afraid you will. Why afraid, Uncle? Too much money is a bad thing. But I can give it away, you know. That is always the pleasantest part of having it, I think. I'm glad you feel so, for you can do so much good with your fortune if you know how to use it well. You shall teach me, and when I am a woman we will set up a school where nothing but the three R's shall be taught, and all the children live on oatmeal, and the girls have wastes a yard round, said Rose with a sudden saucy smile dimpling her cheeks. You are an impertinent little baggage to turn on me in that way right in the midst of my first attempt at teaching. Never mind, I shall have an extra bitter dose for you next time, Miss. I knew you wanted to laugh, so I gave you a chance. Now I will be good, master, and do my lesson nicely. So Dr. Alec had his laugh, and then Rose sat down and took a lesson in accounts which she never forgot. Now come, and read aloud to me. My eyes are tired, and it is pleasant to sit here by the fire, while the rain pours outside, and Aunt Jane lectures upstairs, said Uncle Alec, when last month's accounts had been put in good order, and a fresh page neatly begun. Rose liked to read aloud, and gladly gave him the chapter in Nicholas Nicolby, where the Miss Kenwigs's take their French lesson. She did her very best, feeling that she was being criticised, and hoping that she might not be found wanting in this as in other things. Shall I go on, sir? She asked very meekly when the chapter ended. If you are not tired, dear, it is a pleasure to hear you, for you read remarkably well, was the answer that filled her heart with pride and pleasure. Do you really think so, Uncle? I'm so glad. Papa taught me, and I read for hours to him, but I thought, perhaps, he liked it because he was fond of me. So am I, but you really do read unusually well, and I'm very glad of it, for it is a rare accomplishment, and one I value highly. Come here in this cozy, low chair, the light is better, and I can pull these curls if you go too fast. I see you are going to be a great comfort as well as a great credit to your old Uncle, Rosie. And Dr. Alec drew her close beside him, with such a fatherly look and tone, that she felt it would be very easy to love and obey him, since he knew how to mix praise and blame so pleasantly together. Another chapter was just finished when the sound of a carriage warned them that Aunt Jane was about to depart. Before they could go to meet her, however, she appeared in the doorway looking like an unusually tall mummy, in her waterproof, with her glasses shining like cat's eyes from the depths of the hood. Just as I thought, petting that child to death and letting her sit up late reading Trash, I do hope you feel the weight of the responsibility you have taken upon yourself, Alec. She said, with a certain grim sort of satisfaction at seeing things go wrong. I think I have a very realising sense of it, Sister Jane, answered Dr. Alec with a comical shrug of the shoulders, and a glance at Rose's bright face. It is sad to see a great girl wasting these precious hours so. Now my boys have studied all day, and Mac is still at his books, I've no doubt, while you have not had a lesson since you came, I suspect. I've had five today, ma'am, was Rose's very unexpected answer. I'm glad to hear it, and what were they, pray? Rose looked very demure as she replied. Navigation, geography, grammar, arithmetic, and keeping my temper. Queer lessons, I fancy, and what have you learned from this remarkable mixture I should like to know. A naughty sparkle came into Rose's eyes, as she answered, with a droll look at her uncle. I can't tell you all, ma'am, but I have collected some useful information about China, which you may like, especially the teas. The best are lapsing Sushong, Assam Pico, Rare Enko, Flowery Pico, Hocus Mixture, Scented Caper, Padrel Tea, Black Kongu, and Green Twonky. Shanghai is on the Wusang River. Hong Kong means Island of Sweet Waters. Singapore is Lion's Town. Chops are the boats they live in, and they drink tea out of little saucers. Principal productions are porcelain tea, cinnamon, shawls, tin, tamarins, and opium. They have beautiful temples and queer gods, and in Canton is the dwelling of the holy pigs, fourteen of them, very big and all blind. The effect of this remarkable burst was immense, especially the fact last mentioned. It entirely took the wind out of Aunt Jane's sails. It was so sudden, so varied and unexpected, that she had not a word to say. The glasses remained fixed, full upon Rose for a moment, and then, with a hasty, oh, indeed, the excellent lady bundled into her carriage and drove away, somewhat bewildered and very much disturbed. She would have been more so if she had seen her reprehensible brother-in-law dancing a triumphal polka down the hall with Rose in honour of having silenced the enemy's battery for once. CHAPTER IX. Phoebe's Secret. Why do you keep smiling to yourself, Phoebe? asked Rose as they were working together one morning, for Dr. Alec considered housework the best sort of gymnastics for girls, so Rose took lessons of Phoebe in sweeping, dusting, and bed-making. I was thinking about a nice little secret, I know, and couldn't help smiling. Shall I know it some time? Guess you will. Shall I like it? Oh, won't you, though? Will it happen soon? Sometime this week. I know what it is. The boys are going to have fireworks on the fourth, and have got some surprise for me, haven't they? That's telling. Well, I can wait. Only tell me one thing. Is Uncle in it? Of course he is. There's never any fun without him. Then it's all right, and sure to be nice. Rose went out on the balcony to shake the rugs, and having given them a vigorous beating hung them on the ball-stray to air, while she took a look at her plants. Several tall vases and jars stood there, and a month of June sun and rain had worked wonders with the seeds and slips she had planted. Morning glories and nasturtiums ran all over the bars, making haste to bloom. Scarlet beans and honeysuckles were climbing up from below to meet their pretty neighbors, and the woodbine was hanging its green festoons wherever it could cling. The waters of the bay were dancing in the sunshine, a fresh wind stirred the chestnut trees with a pleasant sound, and the garden below was full of roses, butterflies, and bees. A great chirping and twittering went on among the birds, busy with their summer housekeeping, and far away the white-winged gulls were dipping and diving in the sea, where ships, like larger birds, went sailing to and fro. Oh, Phoebe, it's such a lovely day! I do wish your fine secret was going to happen right away. I feel just like having a good time, don't you?" said Rose, waving her arms as if she was going to fly. I often feel that way, but I have to wait for my good times and don't stop working to wish for them. There, now you can finish as soon as the dust settles, I must go do my stairs. And Phoebe trudged away with the broom, singing as she went. Rose leaned where she was and fell into thinking how many good times she had had lately, for the gardening had prospered finally, and she was learning how to swim in row, and there were drives and walks and quiet hours of reading and talk with Uncle Alec. And, best of all, the old pain and ennui seldom troubled her now. She could work and play all day, sleep sweetly at night, and enjoy life with the zest of a healthy, happy child. She was far from being as strong and hearty as Phoebe, but she was getting on. The once pale cheeks had colour in them now, the hands were growing plump and brown, and the belt was not much too loose. No one talked to her about her health, and she forgot that she had no constitution. She took no medicine but Dr. Alec's three great remedies, and they seemed to suit her excellently. Aunt Plenty said it was the pills, but as no second batch had ever followed the first, I think the old lady was mistaken. Rose looked worthy of her name as she stood smiling to herself over a happier secret than any Phoebe had. A secret which she did not know herself till she found out some years later the magic of good health. Look only said the brownie at the pretty gown of blue, at the kerchief pinned about her head and at her little shoe, said a voice from below, as a great cabbage rose came flying against her cheek. What is the princess dreaming about up here in her hanging garden? added Dr. Alec as she flung back a morning glory. I was wishing I could do something pleasant this fine day, something very new and interesting, for the wind makes me feel frisky and gay. Suppose we take a poll over to the island. I intended to go this afternoon, but if you feel more like it now we can be off at once. I do, I do. I'll come in fifteen minutes, uncle. I must just scrabble my room to rights, for Phoebe has got a great deal to do. Rose caught up the rugs and vanished as she spoke, while Dr. Alec went in saying to himself with an indulgent smile. It may upset things a trifle, but half a child's pleasure consists in having their fun when they want it. Never did duster flap more briskly than the one Rose used that day, and never was a room scrabbled to rights in such haste as hers. Tables and chairs flew to their places as if alive. Curtains shook as if a gale was blowing. China rattled and small articles tumbled about as if a young earthquake was playing with them. The boating suit went on in a twinkling, and Rose was off with a hop and a skip, little dreaming how many hours it would be before she saw her pretty room again. Uncle Alec was putting a large basket into the boat when she arrived, and before they were off Phoebe came running down with a queer, knobby bundle done up in a waterproof. We can't eat half that luncheon, and I know we shall not need so many wraps. I wouldn't lumber the boat up so, said Rose, who still had secret scares, went on the water. Can't you make a smaller parcel, Phoebe, asked Dr. Alec, eyeing the bundle suspiciously? No, sir, not in such a hurry, and Phoebe laughed as she gave a particularly large knob a good poke. Well, it will do for ballast. Don't forget the note to Mrs. Jessie, I beg of you. No, sir, I'll send it right off, and Phoebe ran up the bank as if she had wings to her feet. We'll take a look at the lighthouse first, for you have not been there yet, and it is worth seeing. By the time we have done that, it will be pretty warm, and we will have lunch under the trees on the island. Rose was ready for anything, and enjoyed her visit to the lighthouse on the point very much, especially climbing up the narrow stairs, and going inside the Great Lantern. They made a long stay, for Dr. Alec seemed in no hurry to go, and kept looking through his spy-glass as if he expected to discover something remarkable on sea or land. It was past twelve before they reached the island, and Rose was ready for her lunch long before she got it. Now, this is lovely. I do wish the boys were here. Won't it be nice to have them with us all their vacation? Why, it begins today, doesn't it? Oh, I wish I'd remembered it sooner, and perhaps they would have come with us, she said, as they lay luxuriously eating sandwiches under the old apple-tree. So we might. Next time we won't be in such a hurry. I expect the lads will take our heads off when they find us out," answered Dr. Alec, placidly drinking cold tea. Uncle, I smell a frying sort of a smell, Rose said, pausing suddenly as she was putting away the remains of the lunch half an hour later. So do I. It is fish, I think. For a moment they both sat with their noses in the air, sniffing like hounds. Then Dr. Alec sprang up, saying with great decision, now this won't do. No one is permitted on this island without asking leave. I must see who dares to fry fish on my private property. Taking the basket on one arm and the bundle on the other he strode away towards the traitorous smell, looking as fierce as a lion, while Rose marched behind under her umbrella. We are Robinson Crusoe and his man Friday, going to see if the savages have come, she said presently, for her fancy was full of the dear old stories that all children love so well. And there they are, two tents and two boats as I live, these rascals mean to enjoy themselves, that's evident. There ought to be more boats and no tents, I wonder where the prisoners are. There are traces of them, and Dr. Alec pointed to the heads and tails of fishes strewn on the grass. And there are more, said Rose, laughing as she pointed to a scarlet heap of what looked like lobsters. The savages are probably eating their victims now, don't you hear the knives rattle in that tent? We ought to creep up and peep. Crusoe was cautious, you know, and Friday scared out of his wits, added Rose, still keeping up the joke. But this Crusoe is going to pounce upon them, regardless of consequences. If I am killed and eaten, you seize the basket and run for the boat. There are provisions enough for your voyage home. With that, Uncle Alec slipped round the front of the tent, and, casting in the big bundle like a bombshell, roared out in a voice of thunder, Pirates, surrender! A crash, a shout, a laugh, and out came the savages, brandishing knives and forks, chicken bones and tin mugs, and all fell upon the intruder, pummeling him unmercifully as they cried, You came too soon, we're not half ready. You've spoiled it all. Where's Rose? Here I am, answered a half-stifled voice, and Rose was discovered sitting on the pile of red flannel bathing-clothes, which she had mistaken for lobsters, and where she had fallen in a fit of merriment when she discovered that the cannibals were her merry cousins. You good-for-nothing boys, you are always bursting out upon me in some ridiculous way, and I always get taken in because I'm not used to such pranks. Uncle is as bad as the rest, and it's great fun, she said, as the lads came round her, half scolding, half welcoming, and wholly enjoying the double surprise. You were not to come till afternoon, and Mama was to be here to receive you. Everything is in a mess now, except your tent. We got that in order the first thing, and you can sit there and see us work, said Archie, doing the honors as usual. Rose felt it in her bones, as Dolly says that something was in the wind, and wanted to be off at once, so I let her come, and should have kept her away an hour longer if your fish had not betrayed you, explained Uncle Alec, subsiding from a ferocious crusoe into his good-natured self again. As this seat is rather damp, I think I'll rise, said Rose, as the excitement lessened a little. Several fishy hands helped her up, and Charlie said, as he scattered the scarlet garments over the grass with an oar. We had a jolly good swim before dinner, and I told the Brats to spread these to dry. Hope you brought your things, Rose, for you belong to the lobsters, you know, and we can have no end of fun teaching you to dive and float and tread water. I didn't bring anything, began Rose, but was interrupted by the Brats, otherwise Will and Jordy, who appeared bearing the big bundle so much demoralized by its fall that a red flannel tunic trailed out at one end and a little blue dressing gown at the other, while the knobs proved to be a toilet case, rubbers, and a silver mug. Oh, that sly Phoebe! This was the secret, and she bundled up those things after I went down to the boat, cried Rose, with sparkling eyes. Guess something has smashed up inside for a bit of glass fell out, observed Will, as they deposited the bundle at her feet. Catch a girl going anywhere without a looking glass. We haven't got one among the whole lot of us, added Mac, with masculine scorn. Dandy has, I caught him touching up his wig behind the trees after our swim, cut in Jordy, wagging a derisive figure at Steve, who promptly silenced him by a smart wrap on the head with the drumstick he had just polished off. Come, come, you lazy-lubbers, fall to work, or we shall not be ready for Mama. Take Rose's things to her tent and tell her all about it, Prince. Mac and Steve, you cut away and bring up the rest of the straw, and you small chaps clear off the table if you have stuffed all you can. Please, Uncle, I'd like your advice about the boundary lines and the best place for the kitchen. Everyone obeyed the Chief, and Rose was escorted to her tent by Charlie, who devoted himself to her service. She was charmed with her quarters, and still more so with the program which she unfolded before her as they worked. We always camp out somewhere in vacation, and this year we thought we'd try the island. It is handy, and our fireworks will show off well from here. Shall we stay over the fourth? Three whole days? Oh, me! What a frolic it will be! Bless your heart! We often camp for a week, we big fellows, but this year the small chaps wanted to come, so we let them. We have great larks, as you'll see, for we have a cave and play Captain Kidd, and have shipwrecks and races and all sorts of games. Arch and I are rather past that kind of thing now, but we do it to please the children, added Charlie, with a sudden recollection of his sixteen years. I had no idea that boys had such good times. Their plays never seemed a bit interesting before, but I suppose that was because I never knew any boys very well, or perhaps you are unusually nice ones, observed Rose, with an artless air of appreciation that was very flattering. We are a pretty clever set, I fancy, but we have a good many advantages, you see. There are a tribe of us to begin with. Then our family has been here for ages, and we have plenty of spondulics, so we can rather lord it over the other fellows, and do as we like. There, ma'am, you can hang your smashed glass on that nail, and do up your back hair as fine as you please. You can have a blue blanket or a red one, and a straw pillow or an air cushion for your head, whichever you like. You can trim up to any extent, and be as free and easy as squaws and a wigwam, for this corner is set apart for you ladies, and we never cross the line Uncle is drawing until we ask leave. Anything more I can do for you, cousin? No, thank you. I think I'll leave the rest till Auntie comes, and go and help you somewhere, if I may. Yes, indeed. Come on and see to the kitchen. Can you cook?" asked Charlie, as he led the way to a rocky nook where Archie was putting up a sail-cloth awning. I can make tea and toast bread. Well, we'll show you how to fry fish and make chowder. Now you just set these pots and pans round tastefully, and sort of tidy up a bit, for Aunt Jessie insists on doing some of the work, and I want it to be decent here. By four o'clock the camp was in order, and the weary workers settled down on Lookout Rock to watch for Mrs. Jessie and Jamie, who was never far from Mama's apron string. They looked like a flock of bluebirds, all being in sailor rig, with blue ribbon enough flying from the seven hats to have set up a milliner. Very tuneful bluebirds they were, too, for all the lads sang, and the echo of their happy voices reached Mrs. Jessie long before she saw them. The moment the boat hove in sight up went the island flag, and the blue jackets cheered lustily, as they did on every possible occasion, like true young Americans. This welcome was answered by the flapping of a handkerchief and the shrill, rah, rah, rah, of the one small tar who stood in the stern, waving his hat manfully, while a maternal hand clutched him firmly in the rear. Cleopatra, lending from her golden galley, never received a hardier greeting than Little Mum, as she was born to her tent by the young folk, for love of whom she smilingly resigned herself to three days of discomfort, while Jamie immediately attached himself to Rose, assuring her of his protection, from the manifold perils which might assail them. Topped by long experience that boys are always hungry, Aunt Jessie soon proposed supper and proceeded to get it, enveloped in an immense apron, with an old hat of arches stuck atop of her cap. Rose helped, and tried to be as handy as Phoebe, though the peculiar style of table she had to set made it no easy task. It was accomplished at last, and a very happy party lay about under the trees, eating and drinking out of any one's plate and cup, and quite untroubled by the frequent appearance of ants and spiders in places where these interesting insects are not expected to adorn. I never thought I should like to wash dishes, but I do, said Rose, as she sat in a boat after supper, lazily rinsing plates in the sea and rocking luxuriously as she wiped them. Mum is mighty particular. We just give him a scrub with sand and dust him off with a bit of paper. It's much the best way, I think, replied Geordie, who reposed in another boat alongside. How Phoebe would like this! I wonder Uncle did not have her come. I believe he tried to, but Dolly was as cross as two sticks, and said she couldn't spare her. I'm sorry, for we all liked the Phoebe bird, and she'd chirp like a good one out here, wouldn't she? She ought to have a holiday like the rest of us. It's too bad to leave her out. This thought came back to Rose several times that evening, for Phoebe would have added much to the little concert they had in the moonlight, would have enjoyed the stories told, been quick at guessing the conundrums, and laughed with all her heart at the fun. The merry going to bed would have been the best of all, for Rose wanted someone to cuddle under the blue blanket with her, there to whisper and giggle and tell secrets, as girls delight to do. Long after the rest were asleep, Rose lay wide awake, excited by the novelty of all about her, and a thought that had come into her mind. Far away she heard a city clock strike twelve. A large star like a mild eye peeped in at the opening of the tent, and the soft plash of the waves seemed calling to her to come out. Aunt Jessie lay fast asleep, with Jamie rolled up like a kitten at her feet, and neither stirred as Rose in her wrapper crept out to see how the world looked at midnight. She found it very lovely, and sat down on a cracker keg to enjoy it, with a heart full of the innocent sentiment of her years. Fortunately, Dr. Alex saw her before she had time to catch cold. For coming out to tie back the door flap of his tent for more air, he beheld the small figure perched in the moonlight. Having no fear of ghosts, he quietly approached, and, seeing that she was wide awake, said, with a hand on her shining hair, What is my girl doing here? Having a good time, answered Rose, not at all startled. I wonder what she was thinking about with such a sober look. The story you told us of the brave sailor who gave up his place on the raft to the woman, and the last drop of water to the poor baby. People who make sacrifices are very much loved and admired, aren't they? She asked earnestly. If the sacrifice is a true one, but many of the bravest never are known and get no praise. That does not lessen their beauty, though perhaps it makes them harder, for we all like sympathy. And Dr. Alex sighed a patient sort of sigh. I suppose you have made a great many. Would you mind telling me one of them, asked Rose, arrested by the sigh? My last was to give up smoking, was the very unromantic answer to her pensive question. Why did you? Bad example for the boys. That was very good of you, Uncle. Was it hard? I'm ashamed to say it was. But as a wise old fellow once said, It is necessary to do right. It is not necessary to be happy. Rose pondered over the saying as if it pleased her, and then said, with a clear, bright look, A real sacrifice is giving up something you want or enjoy very much, isn't it? Yes. Doing it one's own self because one loves another person very much and wants her to be happy? Yes. And doing it pleasantly, and being glad about it, and not minding the praise if it doesn't come? Yes, dear, that is the true spirit of self-sacrifice. You seem to understand it, and I dare say you will have many chances in your life to try the real thing. I hope they won't be very hard ones. I think they will, began Rose, and there stopped short. Well, make one now and go to sleep, or my girl will be ill tomorrow, and then the ants will say camping out was bad for her. I'll go, good night, and throwing him a kiss the little ghost vanished, leaving Uncle Alec to pace the shore, and think about some of the unsuspected sacrifices that had made him what he was. End of chapter nine. CHAPTER TEN There certainly were larks on Campels Island next day, as Charlie had foretold, and Rose took her part in them like one intent on enjoying every minute to the utmost. There was a merry breakfast, a successful fishing expedition, and then the lobsters came out in full force, for even Aunt Jessie appeared in red flannel. There was nothing Uncle Alec could not do in the water, and the boys tried their best to equal him in strength and skill, so there was a great diving and ducking, for everyone was bent on distinguishing himself. Rose swam out far beyond her depth, with her uncle to float her back. Aunt Jessie splashed placidly in the shallow pools, with Jamie paddling nearby like a little whale beside its mother, while the lads couriered about, looking like a flock of distracted flamingos, and acting like the famous dancing party in Alice's adventures in Wonderland. Nothing but chowder would have lured them from their gambles in the briny deep, that time on her dish demanded the concentrated action of several mighty mines, so the water-babies came ashore and fell to cooking. It is unnecessary to say that, when done, it was the most remarkable chowder ever cooked, and the quantity eaten would have amazed the world if the secret had been divulged. After this exertion a siesta was considered the thing, and people lay about in tents or out as they pleased, the boys looking like warriors slumbering where they fell. The elders had just settled to a comfortable nap when the youngsters rose, refreshed and ready for further exploits. A hint sent them all off to the cave, and there were discovered bows and arrows, battle-clubs, old swords, and various relics of an interesting nature. Perched upon a commanding rock, with Jamie to explain things to her, Rose beheld a series of stirring scenes enacted with great vigor and historical accuracy by her gifted relatives. Captain Cook was murdered by the natives of O'aihi in the most thrilling manner. Captain Kidd buried untold wealth in the chowder-kettle at the dead of night, and shot both the trusting villains who shared the secret of the hiding-place. Sinbad came ashore there and had manifold adventures and numberless wrecks bestrewed the sands. Rose considered them by far the most exciting dramas she had ever witnessed, and when their performance closed with a grand ballet of Fiji Islanders, whose barbaric yells alarmed the gulls, she had no words in which to express her gratification. Another swim at sunset, another merry evening on the rocks, watching the lighted steamers pass seaward and the pleasure-boats come into port, ended the second day of the camping out, and sent everyone to bed early that they might be ready for the festivities of the morrow. Archie, didn't I hear Uncle ask you to row home in the morning for fresh milk and things? Yes, why? Please, may I go too? I have something of great importance to arrange. You know I was carried off in a hurry, Rose said in a confidential whisper as she was bidding her cousins good-night. I'm willing, and I guess Charlie won't mind. Thank you. Be sure you stand by me when I ask leave in the morning and don't say anything till then, except to Charlie. This urged Rose so eagerly that Archie stuck in attitude and cried dramatically, by yonder moon I swear. Hush! It's all right, go along, and Rose departed as if satisfied. She's a queer little thing, isn't she, Prince? Rather a nice little thing, I think, I'm quite fond of her. Rose's quick ears caught both remarks, and she retired to her tent, saying to herself with sleepy dignity. Well thing indeed. Those boys talk as if I was a baby. They will treat me with more respect after tomorrow, I guess. Archie did stand by her in the morning, and her request was readily granted, as the lads were coming directly back. Off they went, and Rose waved her hand to the Islanders with a somewhat pensive air, for an heroic purpose glowed within her, and the spirit of self-sacrifice was about to be illustrated in a new and touching manner. While the boys got the milk, Rose ran to Phoebe, ordered her to leave her dishes to put on her hat, and take a note back to Uncle Alec, which would explain this somewhat mysterious performance. Phoebe obeyed, and when she went to the boat Rose accompanied her, telling the boys she was not ready to go yet, but they could, some of them, come for her when she hung a white signal on her balcony. But why not come now? What are you about, Miss? Uncle won't like it, protested Charlie, in great amazement. Just do as I tell you, little boy. Uncle will understand and explain, obey as Phoebe does, and ask no questions. I can have secrets as well as other people, and Rose walked off with an air of lofty independence that impressed her friends immensely. It's some plot between Uncle and herself, so we won't meddle. All right, Phoebe. Pull away, Prince. And off they went to be received with much surprise by the islanders. This was the note, Phoebe bore. Dear Uncle, I'm going to take Phoebe's place today, and let her have all the fun she can. Please don't mind what she says, but keep her, and tell the boys to be very good to her for my sake. Don't think it is easy to do this, it is very hard to give up the best day of all, but I feel so selfish to have all the pleasure in Phoebe none that I wish to make this sacrifice. Do let me, and don't laugh at it. I truly do not wish to be praised, and I truly want to do it. Love to all. From Rose. Bless the little dear. What a generous heart she has! Shall we go after her, Jesse? Or let her have her way, said Dr. Alec, after the first mingled amusement and astonishment had subsided. Let her alone, and don't spoil her little sacrifice. She means it, I know, and the best way in which we can show our respect for her effort is to give Phoebe a pleasant day. I'm sure she has earned it. And Mrs. Jesse made a sign to the boys to suppress their disappointment, and exert themselves to please Rose's guest. Phoebe was, with difficulty, kept from going straight home, and declared that she should not enjoy herself one bit without Miss Rose. She won't hold out all day, and we shall see her paddling back before noon. I'll wager anything, said Charlie. And the rest so strongly inclined to his opinion that they resigned themselves to the loss of the little queen of the revels, sure that it would only be a temporary one. But hour after hour passed, and no signal appeared on the balcony, though Phoebe watched it, hopefully. No passing boat brought the truant back, though more than one pair of eyes looked out for the bright hair under the round hat, and sunset came, bringing no Rose but the lovely color in the western sky. I really did not think that the child had it in her. I fancied it was a bit of sentiment, but I see she was an earnest, and means that her sacrifice shall be a true one. Dear little soul, I'll make it up to her a thousand times over, and beg her pardon for thinking it might be done for effect. Dr. Alex said remorsefully, as he strained his eyes through the dusk, fancying he saw a small figure sitting in the garden as it had sat on the keg the night before, laying the generous little plot that had cost more than he could guess. Well, she can't help seeing the fireworks any way, unless she is goose enough to think she must hide in a dark closet and not look, said Archie, who was rather disgusted at Rose's seeming in gratitude. She will see ours capitalally, but miss the big ones on the hill, unless Papa has forgotten all about them, added Steve, cutting short the harangue Mac had begun upon the festivals of the ancients. I'm sure the sight of her will be better than the finest fireworks that ever went off, said Phoebe, meditating in elopement with one of the boats if she could get a chance. Let things work. If she resists a brilliant invitation we give her. She will be a heroine, added Uncle Alex, secretly hoping that she would not. Meanwhile Rose had spent a quiet busy day helping Dolly, waiting on Aunt Peace and steadily resisting Aunt Plenty's attempts to send her back to the Happy Island. It had been hard in the morning to come in from the bright world outside with flags flying, cannon booming, crackers popping, and everyone making ready for a holiday, and to go to washing cups while Dolly grumbled and the ants lamented. It was very hard to see the day go by, knowing how gay each hour must have been across the water, and how a word from her would take her where she longed to be with all her heart. But it was hardest of all when evening came and Aunt Peace was asleep, Aunt Plenty seeing a gossip in the parlor, Dolly established in the porch to enjoy the show, and nothing left for the little maid to do but sit alone in her balcony and watch the gay rockets whiz up from island, hill, and city, while bands played and boats laden with happy people went to and fro in the fitful light. Then it must be confessed that a tear or two dimmed the blue eyes, and once, when a very brilliant display illuminated the island for a moment, and she fancied she saw the tents. The curly head went down on the railing, and a wide awake nasturtium heard a little whisper. I hope someone wishes I was there. The tears were all gone, however, and she was watching the hill and island answer each other, with what Jamie called whizzers, whirly gigs and busters, and smiling as she thought how hard the boys must be working to keep up such a steady fire, when Uncle Mack came walking in upon her, saying hurly, Come, child, put on your tippet, police, or whatever you call it, and run off with me. I came to get Phoebe, but Aunt says she is gone, so I want you. I've got fun down in the boat, and I want you to go with us and see my fireworks. Got them up for you, and you mustn't miss them, or I shall be disappointed. But Uncle, feeling as if she ought to refuse even a glimpse of bliss. Perhaps. I know, my dear, I know, Aunt told me, but no one needs you now so much as I do, and I insist on your coming, said Uncle Mack, who seemed in a great hurry to be off, yet was unusually kind. So Rose went and found the little Chinamen with a funny lantern waiting to help her in, and convulsed her with laughter trying to express his emotions in pigeon English. The city clocks were striking nine as they got out into the bay, and the island fireworks seemed to be over, for no rock had answered the last Roman candle that shone on the anthill. Ours are done, I see, but they are going up all round the city, and how pretty they are, said Rose, folding her mantle about her and surveying the scene with pensive interest. Hope my fellows have not got into trouble up there, muttered Uncle Mack, adding with a satisfied chuckle as the spark shone out. No, there it goes. Look, Rosie, and see how you like this one. It was ordered especially in honour of your coming. Rose looked with all her eyes and saw the spark grow into the likeness of a golden vase. Then green leaves came out, and then a crimson flower glowing on the darkness with a splendid luster. Is it a rose, Uncle? She asked, clasping her hands with delight as she recognized the handsome flower. Of course it is. Look again, and guess what those are? Answered Uncle Mack, chuckling and enjoying it all like a boy. A wreath of what looked at first like purple brooms appeared below the vase, but Rose guessed what they were meant for, and stood straight up, holding by his shoulder, and crying excitedly. Dissils, Uncle, scotch-dissils, there are seven of them, one for each boy. Oh, what a joke! And she laughed so that she plumped into the bottom of the boat, and stayed there till the brilliant spectacle was quite gone. That was rather a neat thing, I flatter myself, said Uncle Mack, in high glee at the success of his illumination. Now shall I leave you on the island, or take you home again, my good little girl? He added, lifting her up with such a tone of approbation in his voice, that Rose kissed him on the spot. Home, please, Uncle, and I thank you very, very much for the beautiful firework you got up for me. I'm so glad I saw it, and I know I shall dream about it, answered Rose steadily, though a wistful glance went toward the island, now so near that she could smell powder and see shadowy figures flitting about. Home they went, and Rose fell asleep saying to herself, It was harder than I thought, but I'm glad I did it, and I truly don't want any reward but Phoebe's pleasure. CHAPTER XI. POUR MAC. Rose's sacrifice was a failure in one respect, for, though the elders loved her the better for it, and showed that they did, the boys were not inspired with the sudden respect which she had hoped for. In fact, her feelings were much hurt by overhearing Archie say that he couldn't see any sense in it, and the Prince added another blow by pronouncing her the queerest chicken ever seen. It is apt to be so, and it is hard to bear, for, though we do not want trumpets blown, we do like to have our little virtues appreciated, and cannot help feeling disappointed if they are not. A time soon came, however, when Rose, quite unconsciously, won not only the respect of her cousins, but their gratitude and affection likewise. Soon after the island episode, Mac had a sunstroke, and was very ill for some time. It was so sudden that everyone was startled, and for some days the boys' life was in danger. He pulled through, however, and then, just as the family were rejoicing, a new trouble appeared which cast a gloom over them all. Poor Mac's eyes gave out, and well they might, for he had abused them, and never being very strong they suffered doubly now. No one dared to tell him the dark predictions of the great Oculus who came to look at them, and the boy tried to be patient, thinking that a few weeks of rest would repair the overwork of several years. He was forbidden to look at a book, and as that was the one thing he most delighted in, it was a terrible affliction to the worm. Everyone was ready to read to him, and at first the lads contended for this honour. But as week after week went by, and Mac was still condemned to idleness and a darkened room, there is ill-abated, and one after the other fell off. It was hard for the active fellows, right in the midst of their vacation, and nobody blamed them when they contented themselves with brief calls, running of errands, and warm expressions of sympathy. The elders did their best, but Uncle Mac was a busy man, and Jane's reading was of a funeral sort, impossible to listen too long. And the other aunties were all absorbed in their own cares, though they supplied the boy with every delicacy they could invent. Uncle Alec was a host in himself, but he could not give all his time to the invalid, and if it had not been for Rose, the afflicted worm would have fared ill. Her pleasant voice suited him, her patience was unfailing, her time of no apparent value, and her eager goodwill was very comforting. The womanly power of self-devotion was strong in the child, and she remained faithfully at her post when all the rest dropped away. Hour after hour she sat in the dusky room, with one ray of light on her book, reading to the boy, who lay with shaded eyes silently enjoying the only pleasure that lightened the weary days. Sometimes he was peevish and hard to please, sometimes he growled because his reader could not manage the dry books he wished to hear, and sometimes he was so despondent that her heart ached to see him. Through all these trials Rose persevered, using all her little arts to please him. When he fretted she was patient. When he growled she plowed bravely through the hard pages, not dry to her in one sense, for quiet tears dropped on them now and then, when Mack fell into a despairing mood, she comforted him with every hopeful word she dared to offer. He said little, but she knew he was grateful, for she suited him better than any one else. If she was late he was impatient. When she had to go he seemed forlorn, and when the tired head ached worst she could always soothe him to sleep, cruning the old songs her father used to love. I don't know what I should do without that child, Aunt Jane often said. She's worth all those racketing fellows put together, Mack would add, fumbling about to discover if the little chair was ready for her coming. That was the sort of reward Rose liked. The thanks that cheered her, and whenever she grew very tired, one look at the green shade, the curly head so restless on the pillow, and the poor groping hands touched her tender heart and put new spirit into the weary voice. She did not know how much she was learning, both from the books she read and the daily sacrifices she made. Stories and poetry were her delight, but Mack did not care for them, and since his favorite Greeks and Romans were forbidden, he satisfied himself with travels, biographies, and the history of great inventions or discoveries. Rose despised this taste at first, but soon got interested in Livingstone's adventures, Hobson's stirring life in India, and the brave trials and triumphs of Watt and Arkwright, Fulton, and Pallisee the Potter. The true, strong books helped the dreamy girl, her faithful service and sweet patience touched and won the boy, and long afterward both learned to see how useful those seemingly hard and weary hours had been to them. One bright morning, as Rose sat down to begin a fat volume entitled, History of the French Revolution, expecting to come to great grief over the long names, Mack, who was lumbering about the room like a blind bear, stopped her by asking abruptly, What day of the month is it? The 7th of August, I believe. More than half my vacation gone, and I've only had a week of it, I call that hard, and he groaned dismally. So it is, but there is more to come, and you may be able to enjoy that. May be able, I will be able. Does that old noodle think I'm going to stay stived up here much longer? I guess he does, unless your eyes get on faster than they have yet. Has he said anything more lately? I haven't seen him, you know. Shall I begin? This looks rather nice. Read away, it's all one to me, and Mack cast himself down upon the old lounge, where his heavy head felt easiest. Rose began with great spirit, and kept on gallantly for a couple of chapters, getting over the unpronounceable names with unexpected success, she thought, for her listener did not correct her once, and lay so still she fancied he was deeply interested. All of a sudden she was arrested in the middle of a fine paragraph by Mack, who sat bolt upright, brought both feet down with a thump, and said in a rough, excited tone, Stop! I don't hear a word, and you may as well save your breath to answer my question. What is it, asked Rose, looking uneasy, for she had something on her mind, and feared that he suspected what it was. His next words proved that she was right. Now look here, I want to know something, and you've got to tell me. Please don't, began Rose, beseechingly. You must, or I'll pull off this shade and stare at the sun as hard as I ever can stare. Come now! And he half-Rose as if ready to execute the threat. I will, oh, I will tell if I know, but don't be reckless and do anything so crazy as that, cried Rose, in great distress. Very well, then listen, and don't dodge as everyone else does. Didn't the doctor think my eyes werese the last time he came? Mother won't say, but you shall. I believe he did, faltered Rose. I thought so. Did he say I should be able to go to school when it begins? No Mac, very low. Ah! That was all, but Rose saw her cousin set his lips together, and take a long breath as if she had hit him hard. He bore the disappointment bravely, however, and asked quite steadily in a minute. How soon does he think I can study again? It was so hard to answer that. Yet Rose knew she must, for Aunt Jane had declared she could not do it, and Uncle Mac had begged her to break the truce to the poor lad. Not for a good many months. How many, he asked, with a pathetic sort of gruffness. A year, perhaps. A whole year? Why, I expected to be ready for college by that time. And pushing up the shade, Mac stared at her with startled eyes that soon blinked and fell before the one ray of light. Ready of time for that, you must be patient now, and get them thoroughly well or they will trouble you again when it will be harder to spare them, she said, with tears in her own eyes. I won't do it. I will study and get through somehow. It's all humbug about taking care so long. These doctors like to keep hold of a fellow if they can. But I won't stand it, I vow I won't. And he banged his fist down on the unoffending pillow as if he were pommeling the hard-hearted doctor. Now, Mac, listen to me, Rose said very earnestly, though her voice shook a little and her heart ached. You know you have hurt your eyes reading by firelight and in the dusk and sitting up late, and now you'll have to pay for it, the doctor said so. You must be careful and do as he tells you, or you will be blind. No! Yes, it is true, and he wanted us to tell you that nothing but entire rest would cure you. I know it's dreadfully hard, but we'll all help you. I'll read all day long, and lead you, and wait upon you, and try to make it easier. She stopped there, for it was evident that he did not hear a sound. The word blind seemed to have knocked him down, for he had buried his face in the pillow, and lay so still that Rose was she sat motionless for many minutes, longing to comfort him, but not knowing how, and wishing Uncle Alec would come, for he had promised to tell Mac. Presently a sort of choking sound came out of the pillow, and went straight to her heart, the most pathetic sob she had ever heard, for though it was the most natural means of relief, the poor fellow must not indulge in it because of the afflicted eyes. A French Revolution tumbled out of her lap, and, running to the sofa, she knelt down by it, saying, with a motherly sort of tenderness, girls feel for any sorrowing creature. Oh, my dear, you mustn't cry. It is so bad for your poor eyes. Take your head out of that hot pillow, and let me cool it. I don't wonder you feel so, but please don't cry. I'll cry for you. It won't hurt me. As she spoke, she pulled away the cushion with gentle force, and saw the green shade all crushed and stained with a few hot tears, that told how bitter the disappointment had been. Mac felt her sympathy, but being a boy did not thank her for it. Only sat up with a jerk, saying, as he tried to rub away the tell-tale drops with a sleeve of his jacket. Don't bother, weak eyes always water, I'm all right. But Rose cried out, and caught his arm. Don't touch them with that rough woolen stuff. Lie down and let me bathe them. There's a dear boy. Then there will be no harm done. They do smart confoundedly. I say, don't you tell the other fellows that I made a baby of myself, will you? He added, yielding with a sigh to the orders of his nurse, who had flown for the eye-wash and linen-cambrid handkerchief. Of course I won't. But anyone would be upset at the idea of being well troubled in this way. I'm sure you bear it splendidly, and you know it isn't half so bad when you get used to it. Besides, it is only for a time, and you can do lots of pleasant things if you can't study. You'll have to wear blue goggles, perhaps, won't that be funny? And while she was pouring out all the comfortable words she could think of, Rose was softly bathing the eyes and dabbing the hot forehead with lavender water, as her patient lay quiet with a look on his face that grieved her sadly. Homer was blind, and so was Milton, and they did something to be remembered by in spite of it, he said, as if to himself in a solemn tone, for even the blue goggles did not bring a smile. Papa had a picture of Milton and his daughters writing for him. It was a very sweet picture, I thought, observed Rose in a serious voice, trying to meet the sufferer on his own ground. Perhaps I could study if someone read and did the eye part. Do you suppose I could, by and by, he asked, with a sudden ray of hope? I dare say, if your head is strong enough, this sunstroke, you know, is what upset you, and your brain needs rest, the doctor says. I'll have a talk with the old fellow next time he comes, and find out just what I may do. Then I shall know where I am. What a fool I was that day to be stewing my brains and letting the sun glare on my book till the letters danced before me. I see him now when I shut my eyes. Black balls, bobbing round, and stars in all sorts of queer things. Wonder if all blind people do. Don't think about them. I'll go on reading, shall I? We shall come to the exciting part soon, and then you'll forget all this, suggested Rose. No, I never shall forget. Hang the old revolution. I don't want to hear another word of it. My head aches, and I'm hot. Oh, wouldn't I like to go for a pull in the stormy petrol? And poor Mac tossed about as if he did not know what to do with himself. Let me sing, and perhaps you'll drop off, then the day will seem shorter, said Rose, taking up a fan and sitting down beside him. Perhaps I shall. I didn't sleep much last night, and when I did I dreamed like fun. See here, you tell the people that I know, and it's all right, and I don't want them to talk about it or howl over me. That's all. Now drone away, and I'll try to sleep. Wish I could for a year, and wake up cured. Oh, I wish, I wish you could! Rose said it so fervently that Mac was moved to Grope for her apron, and hold on to a corner of it, as if it was comfortable to feel her near him. But all he said was, You are a good little soul, Rosie. Give us the berks, that is a drowsy one that always sends me off. Quite contented with this small return for all her sympathy, Rose waved her fan and sang, in a dreamy tone, the pretty scotch air, the burden of which is, Bonnie Lassie will ye gang, will ye gang to the berks of Aberfelde. Whether the Lassie went or not, I cannot say, but the laddie was off to the land of Nod in about ten minutes, quite worn out with hearing the bad tidings, and the effort to bear them manfully. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Clarica. Eight Cousins by Louisa May Alcott. CHAPTER XII. THE OTHER FELLOWS. Rose did tell the people what had passed, and no one howled over Mac or said a word to trouble him. He had his talk with the doctor and got very little comfort out of it, for he found that just what he might do was nothing at all, though the prospect of some study by and by, if all went well, gave him courage to bear the woes of the present. Having made up his mind to do this, he behaved so well that everyone was astonished, for having suspected so much manliness in the quiet worm. The boys were much impressed, both by the greatness of the affliction which hung over him, and by his way of bearing it. They were very good to him, but not always particularly wise in their attempts to cheer and amuse, and Rose often found him much downcast after a visit of condolence from the clan. She still kept her place as head nurse and chief reader, though the boys did their best in an irregular sort of way. They were rather taken aback sometimes, at finding Rose's services preferred to theirs, and privately confided to one another, that old Mac was getting fond of being molly coddled. But they could not help saying how useful she was, and owning that she alone had remained faithful, a fact which caused some of them much secret compunction now and then. Rose felt that she ruled in that room if nowhere else, for Aunt Jane left a great deal to her, finding that her experience with her invalid father fitted her for a nurse, and in a case like this her youth was an advantage rather than a drawback. Mac soon came to think that no one could take care of him so well as Rose, and Rose soon grew fond of her patient, though at first she had considered this cousin the least attractive of the seven. He was not polite and sensible like Archie, nor gay and handsome like Prince Charlie, nor neat and obliging like Steve, nor amusing like the Bratz, nor confiding and affectionate like little Jamie. He was rough, absent-minded, careless and awkward, rather priggish, and not at all agreeable to a dainty, beauty-loving girl like Rose. But when his trouble came upon him, she discovered many good things in this cousin of hers, and learned not only to pity, but to respect and love the poor worm, who tried to be patient, brave and cheerful, and founded a harder task than any one guessed, except the little nurse, who saw him in his gloomiest moods. She soon came to think that his friends did not appreciate him, and upon one occasion was moved to free her mind in a way that made a deep impression on the boys. Vacation was almost over, and the time drawing near when Mack would be left outside the happy school world which he so much enjoyed. This made him rather low in his mind, and his cousins exerted themselves to cheer him up, especially one afternoon, when a spasm of devotion seemed to seize them all. Jamie trudged down the hill with a basket of blackberries which he had picked all his own self, as his scratched fingers and stained lips plainly testified. Will and Jordy brought their puppies to beguile the weary hours, and the three elder lads called to discuss baseball, cricket, and kindred subjects, eminently fitted to remind the invalid of his privations. Rose had gone to drive with Uncle Alec, who declared she was getting as pale as a potato sprout living so much in a dark room. But her thoughts were with her boy all the while, and she ran up to him the moment she returned to find things in a fine state of confusion. With the best intentions in life the lads had done more harm than good, and the spectacle that met Nurse Rose's eyes was a trying one. The puppies were yelping, the small boys romping, and the big boys all talking at once. The curtains were up, the room close, berries scattered freely about, Max shade half off, his cheeks flushed, his temper ruffled, and his voice loudest of all as he disputed hotly with Steve about lending certain treasured books which he could no longer use. Now Rose considered this her special kingdom, and came down upon the invaders with an energy which amazed them and quelled the riot at once. They had never seen her roused before, and the effect was tremendous, also comical, for she drove the whole flock of boys out of the room like an indignant little hen defending her brood. They all went as meekly as sheep. The small lads fled from the house precipitately, but the three elder ones only retired to the next room, and remained there hoping for a chance to explain and apologize, and so appease the irate young lady, who had suddenly turned the tables and clattered them about their ears. As they waited they observed her proceedings through the half-open door, and commentant upon them briefly but expressively, feeling quite bowed down with remorse at the harm they had innocently done. She's put the room to rights in a jiffy. What jacks we were to let those dogs in and kick up such a row, observed Steve after a prolonged peep. The poor old worm turns as if she was treading on him instead of cuddling him like a pussycat. "'Isn't he cross, though?' added Charlie, as Mac was heard growling about his confounded head. "'She will manage him, but it's mean in us to rumple him up and then leave her to smooth him down. I'd go and help, but I don't know how,' said Archie, looking much depressed, for he was a conscientious fellow, and blamed himself for his want of thought. No more do I. Odd, isn't it, what a knack women have for taking care of sick folks. And Charlie fell amusing over this undeniable fact. "'She has been ever so good to Mac,' began Steve, in a self-reproachful tone. "'Better than his own brother, hey!' cut in Archie, finding relief for his own regret in the delinquencies of another. "'Well, you needn't preach. You didn't any of you do any more, and you might have, for Mac likes you better than he does me. I always fret him,' he says, and it isn't my fault, if I am a quiddle,' protested Steve in self-defense. "'We have all been selfish and neglected him, so we won't fight about it, but try to do better,' said Archie, generously taking more than his share of blame. For he had been less inattentive than either of the others. Rose has stood by him like a good one, and it's no wonder he likes to have her round best. I should myself if I was down on my luck as he is,' put in Charlie, feeling that he had really not done the little thing justice. "'I'll tell you what it is. Boys, we haven't been half-good enough to Rose, and we've got to make it up to her somehow,' said Archie, who had a very manly sense of honour about paying his debts, even to a girl. "'I'm awfully sorry I made fun of her doll when Jamie lugged it out, and I called her baby bunting when she cried over the dead kitten. Girls are such geese sometimes I can't help it,' said Steve, confessing his transgressions handsomely, and feeling quite ready to atone for them if he only knew how. "'I'll go down on my knees and beg her pardon for treating her as if she was a child. Let it make her mad, though. Come to think of it, she's only two years or so younger than I am. But she is so small and pretty, she always seems like a dolly to me. And the prince looked down from his lofty height of five feet five as if Rose was indeed a pygmy beside him. "'That dolly has got a real good little heart, and a bright mind of her own you'd better believe. Max says she understands some things quicker than he can, and mother thinks she is an uncommonly nice girl, though she don't know all creation. You needn't put on airs, Charlie, though you are a tall one, for Rose likes Archie better than you. She said she did, because he treated her respectfully.' "'Steve looks as fierce as a game-cock. But don't you get excited, my son, for it won't do a bit of good. Of course everybody likes the chief best. They ought to, and I'll punch their heads if they don't. So calm yourself, Dandy, and mend your own manners before you come down on other peoples.' Thus said the prince, with great dignity and perfect good nature, while Archie looked modestly gratified with the flattering opinions of his kinsfolk, and Steve subsided, feeling he had done his duty as a cousin and a brother. A pause ensued during which Aunt Jane appeared in the other room, kneaded by a tea-tree sumptuously spread, and prepared to feed her big nestling, as that was a task she allowed no one to share with her. "'If you have a minute to spare before you go, child, I wish you'd just make Mac a fresh shade. This has got a berry stain on it, and he must be tidy, for he is to go out to-morrow if it is a cloudy day,' said Mrs. Jane, spreading toast in a stately manner, while Mac slopped his tea about without receiving a word of reproof. "'Yes, Aunt,' answered Rose, so meekly that the boys could hardly believe it could be the same voice, which had issued the stern command, out of this room every one of you, not very long ago.' They had not time to retire, without unseemly haste, before she walked into the parlor and sat down at the work-table without a word. It was funny to see the look the three tall lads cast at the little person sedately threading a needle with green silk. They all wanted to say something expressive of repentance, but no one knew how to begin, and it was evident from the prim expression of Rose's face that she intended to stand upon her dignity till they had properly abased themselves. The pause was becoming very awkward when Charlie, who possessed all the persuasive arts of a born scape-grace, went slowly down upon his knees before her, beat his breast, and said, in a heartbroken tone, "'Please forgive me this time, and I'll never do so any more.' It was very hard to keep sober, but Rose managed it and answered gravely. "'It is Max pardon, you should ask, not mine, for you haven't hurt me, and I shouldn't wonder if you had him a great deal, with all that light and racket, and talk about things that only worry him. "'Do you really think we've hurt him, cousin?' asked Archie with a troubled look, while Charlie settled down in a remorseful heap among the table legs. "'Yes, I do, for he has got a raging headache, and his eyes are as red as this emery bag,' answered Rose, solemnly plunging her needle into a fat flannel strawberry. Steve tore his hair, metaphorically speaking, for he clutched his cherished topknot, and wildly disheveled it, as if that was the heaviest penance he could inflict upon himself at such short notice. Charlie laid himself out flat, melodramatically begging someone to take him away and hang him, but Archie, who felt worst of all, said nothing except to vow within himself that he would read to Mac till his own eyes were as red as a dozen emery bags combined. Seeing the wholesome effects of her treatment upon these culprits, Rose felt that she might relent and allow them a gleam of hope. She found it impossible to help trampling upon the prostrate Prince a little, in words at least, for he had hurt her feelings oftener than he knew, so she gave him a thimble-pie on the top of his head, and said with an air of infinitely superior being, "'Don't be silly, but get up, and I'll tell you something much better to do than sprawling on the floor and getting all over lint.' Charlie obediently sat himself upon a hassic at her feet. The other sinners drew near to catch the words of wisdom about to fall from her lips, and Rose, softened by this gratifying humility, addressed them in her most maternal tone. "'Now, boys, if you really want to be good to Mac, you can do it in this way. But keep talking about things he can't do, or go and tell what fun you have had batting your ridiculous balls about. Get some nice book, and read quietly. Cheer him up about school, and offer to help him study by and by. You can do that better than I, because I'm only a girl, and don't learn Greek and Latin and all sorts of head-a-key stuff.' "'Yes, but you can do heaps of things better than we can. You've proved that,' said Archie, with an approving look that delighted Rose, though she could not resist giving Charlie one more rebuke, by saying, with a little bridling of the head, and a curl of the lip that wanted to smile instead. I'm glad you think so, though I am a queer chicken.' This scabbing remark caused the Prince to hide his face for shame, and Steve to erect his head in the proud consciousness that this shot was not meant for him. She laughed, and Rose, seeing a merry blue eye winking at her from behind two brown hands, gave Charlie's ear a friendly tweak, and extended the olive branch of peace. "'Now we'll all be good, and plan nice things for poor Mac,' she said, smiling so graciously that the boys felt as if the sun had suddenly burst out from behind a heavy cloud, and was shining with great brilliancy. The storm had cleared the air, and quite a heavenly calm succeeded, during which plans of a most varied and surprising sort were laid, for everyone burned to make noble sacrifices upon the shrine of poor Mac. And Rose was the guiding star to whom the others looked with most gratifying submission. Of course this elevated state of things could not endure long, but it was very nice while it lasted, and left an excellent effect upon the minds of all when the first ardour had subsided. "'There, that's ready for to-morrow, and I do hope it will be cloudy,' said Rose, as she finished off the new shade, the progress of which the boys had watched with interest. "'I'd be spoken an extra sunny day, but I'll tell the clerk of the weather to change it. He's an obliging fellow, and he'll attend to it. So make yourself easy,' said Charlie, who would become quite perky again. "'It is very easy for you to joke, but how would you like to wear a blinder like that for weeks and weeks, sir?' And Rose quenched his rising spirits by slipping the shade over his eyes, as he still sat on the cushion at her feet. "'It's horrid! Take it off! Take it off!' "'I don't wonder the poor old boy has the blues with a thing like that on,' and Charlie sat looking at what seemed to him an instrument of torture, with such a sober face that Rose took it gently away, and went in to bid-mack good-night. "'I shall go home with her, for it is getting darkish, and she is rather timid,' said Archie, forgetting that he had often laughed at this very timidity. "'I think I might, for she's taking care of my brother, put in Steve,' asserting his rights. "'Let's all go. That will please her,' proposed Charlie, with a burst of gallantry which electrified his mates. "'We will,' they said with one voice, and they did to Rose's great surprise and secret contentment, though Archie had all the care of her, for the other two were leaping fences, running races, and having wrestling matches all the way down. They composed themselves on reaching the door, however, shook hands cordially all around, made their best bows, and retired with great elegance and dignity, leaving Rose to say to herself, with girlish satisfaction, as she went in, "'Now that is the way I like to be treated.' End of CHAPTER XII. CHAPTER XIII. CHAPTER XIII. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Clarica. Eight Cousins by Louisa May Alcott. CHAPTER XIII. COSY CORNER. Vacation was over. The boys went back to school, and poor Mack was left lamenting. He was out of the darkened room now, and promoted to blue goggles, through which he took a gloomy view of life, as might have been expected, for there was nothing he could do but wander about and try to amuse himself without using his eyes. Anyone who has ever been condemned to that sort of idleness knows how irksome it is, and can understand the state of mind which caused Mack to say to Rose in a desperate tone one day. Uncle Alec here, if you don't invent some new employment or amusement for me, I shall knock myself on the head as sure as you live. Rose flew to Uncle Alec for advice, and he ordered both patient and nurse to the mountains for a month, with Aunt Jesse and Jamie as escort. Pockey and her mother joined the party, and one bright September morning, six very happy-looking people were aboard the express train for Portland. Two smiling mamas, laden with luncheon baskets and wraps, a pretty young girl with a bag of books on her arm, a tall thin lad with his hat over his eyes, and two small children, who sat with their short legs straight out before them, and their chubby faces beaming with the first speechless delight of truly travelling. An especially splendid sunset seemed to have been prepared to welcome them, when, after a long day's journey, they drove into a wide green door-yard, where a white colt, a red cow, two cats, four kittens, many hens, and a dozen people old and young, were gaily disporting themselves. Everyone nodded and smiled in the friendliest manner, and a lively old lady kissed the newcomers all round, as she said heartily, Well now, I'm proper glad to see you. Come right in and rest, and we'll have tea in less than no time, for you must be tired. Lizzie, you showed the folks upstairs. Kitty, you fly round and help father in with the trunks, and Jenny and I will have the table all ready by the time you come down. Bless the dears, they want to go see the pussies, and so they shall. The three pretty daughters did fly round, and everyone felt at home at once, they were all so hospitable and kind. And Jesse had raptures over the homemade carpets, quilts, and quaint furniture. Rose could not keep away from the windows, for each framed a lovely picture. And the little folks made friends at once with the other children, who filled their arms with chickens and kittens, and did the honors handsomely. The two of a horn called all to supper, and a goodly party, including six children besides the campels, assembled in the long dining-room, armed with mountain appetites, and the gayest spirits. It was impossible for anyone to be shy or sober, for such gales of merryment arose, they blew the starch out of the stiffest, and made the saddest jolly. Mother Atkinson, as all called their hostess, was the merryest there, and the busiest, for she kept flying up to wait on the children, to bring out some new dish, or to banish the livestock, who are of such a social turn that the colt came into the entry and demanded sugar. The cats sat about in people's laps, winking suggestively at the food, and speckled hands cleared the kitchen floor of crumbs as they joined in the chat with a cheerful clucking. Everyone turned out after tea to watch the sunset till all the lovely red was gone, and mosquitoes wound their shrill horns to sound the retreat. The music of an organ surprised the newcomers, and in the parlor they found Father Atkinson playing sweetly on the little instrument made by himself. All the children gathered about him, and, led by the tuneful sisters, sang prettily till Poke fell asleep behind the door, and Jamie gaped audibly right in the middle of his favorite. Koo said the little doves, Koo said she, all in the top of the old pine tree. The older travelers, being tired, went to by low at the same time, and slept like tops in home-spun sheets, on husk mattresses made by Mother Atkinson, who seemed to have put some soothing powder among them, so deep and sweet was the slumber that came. Next day began the wholesome out-of-door life, which works such wonders with tired minds and feeble bodies. The weather was perfect, and the mountain air made the children as frisky as young lambs, while the elders went about smiling at one another and saying, Isn't it splendid? Even Mack, the slow-coach, was seen to leap over a fence as if he really could not help it, and when Rose ran after him with his broad-brimmed hat, he made the spirited proposal to go into the woods and hunt for a catamount. Jamie and Poke were at once enrolled in the cozy corner Light Infantry, a truly superb company, composed entirely of officers, all wearing cocked hats, carrying flags, waving swords, or beating drums. It was a spectacle to stir the dullest soul when this gallant band marched out of the yard in full regimentals, with Captain Dove, a solemn, big-headed boy of eleven, issuing his orders with the gravity of a general, and his faustafian regiment obeying them with more docility than skill. The little snow-children did very well, and Lieutenant Jack Dove was fine to see. So was drummer Frank, the errand boy of the house, as he rubbed a dub-dub with all his heart and drumsticks. Jamie had trained before, and was made a colonel at once, but Poke was the best of all, and called forth a spontaneous burst of applause from the spectators as she brought up the rear, her cocked hat all over one eye, her flag trailing over her shoulder, and her wooden sword straight up in the air, her faced beaming and every curl bobbing with delight as her fat legs tottered in the vain attempt to keep step manfully. Mac and Rose were picking blackberries in the bushes beside the road when the soldiers passed without seeing them, and they witnessed a sight that was both pretty and comical. A little farther on was one of the family burial spots so common in those parts, and just this side of it, Captain Fred Dove ordered his company to halt, explaining his reason for doing so in the following words. That's a graveyard, and it's proper to muffle the drums and lower the flags as we go by, and we'd better take off our hats, too. It's more respectable, I think. Isn't that cunning of the deers, whispered Rose, as the little troop marched slowly to the muffled roll of the drums. Every flag and sword held low, all the little heads uncovered, and the childish faces very sober as the leafy shadows flickered over them. Let's follow and see what they are after, proposed Mac, who found sitting on the wall and being fed with blackberries luxurious but tiresome. So they followed, and heard the music grow lively, saw the banners wave in the breeze again when the graveyard was passed, and watched the company file into the dilapidated old church that stood at the corner of three woodland roads. Presently, the sound of singing made the outsiders quicken their steps, and stealing up they peeped in at one of the broken windows. Captain Dove was up in the old wooden pulpit, gazing solemnly down upon his company, who, having stacked their arms in the porch, now sat in the bare pews singing a Sunday school hymn with great vigor and relish. Let us pray, said Captain Dove, with as much reverence as an army chaplain, and folding his hands he repeated a prayer which he thought all would know, an excellent little prayer, but not exactly appropriate to the morning, for it was, now I lay me down to sleep. Everyone joined in saying it, and it was a pretty sight to see the little creatures bowing their curly heads, and lisping out the words they knew so well. Tears came into Rose's eyes as she looked, Mac took off his hat involuntarily, and then clapped it on again as if ashamed of showing any feeling. Now I shall preach you a short sermon, and my text is, Little Children, Love One Another. I asked Mama to give me one, and she thought that would be good, so you all sit still and I'll preach it. You mustn't whisper, Marion, but hear me. It means that we should be good to each other, and play fair, and not quarrel as we did this very day about the wagon. Jack can't always drive, and needn't be mad because I like to go with Frank. Annette ought to be horse sometimes, and not always driver, and Willie may as well make up his mind to let Marion build her house by his, for she will do it, and he needn't fuss about it. Willie seems to be a good boy, but I shall preach to him if he isn't. No, Pokie, people don't kiss in church or put their hats on. Now you must all remember what I tell you, because I am the captain and you should mind me. Here, Lieutenant Jack spoke right out in meeting with the rebellious remark, Don't care if you are, you'd better mind yourself and tell how you took away my strap and kept the biggest doughnut, and didn't draw fair when we had the truck. Yes, and you slapped Frank, I saw you, bald Willie Snow, bobbing up in his pew. And you took away my book and hid it, because I wouldn't go and swing when you wanted me to, added Annette, the oldest of the Snow Trio. I shan't build my house by Willie's if he don't want me to, so now. Put in little Marion, joining the mutiny. I will-tissed Dimmy, and I tore up my hat as a pin picked me, shouted Pokey, regardless of Jamie's efforts to restrain her. Captain Dove looked rather taken aback at this outbreak in the ranks. But being a dignified and calm personage, he quelled the rising rebellion with great tact and skill, by saying, briefly, We'll sing the last hymn, Sweet, sweet, good-bye. You all know that, so do it nicely, and then we will go and have luncheon. Grace was instantly restored, and a burst of melody drowned the suppressed giggles of Rose and Mack, who found it impossible to keep sober during the latter part of this somewhat remarkable service. Fifteen minutes of repose rendered it a physical impossibility for the company to march out as quietly as they had marched in. I grieved to state that the entire troop raced home as hard as they could pelt, and were soon skirmishing briskly over their lunch, utterly oblivious of what Jamie, who had been much impressed by the sermon, called the Captain's Beautiful Tech. It was astonishing how much they all found to do at Cozy Corner, and Mack, instead of lying in a hammock and being read to, as he had expected, was busiest of all. He was invited to survey and lay out Skeeterville, a town which the children were getting up in a Huckleberry pasture, and he found much amusement in planning little roads, staking off house-lots, attending to the water-works, and consulting with the selectmen about the best sites for public buildings, for Mack was a boy still, in spite of his fifteen years, and his love of books. Then he went fishing with a certain jovial gentleman from the West, and though they seldom caught anything but colds, they had great fun and exercise, chasing the phantom trout they were bound to have. Mack also developed a geological mania, and went tapping about at rocks and stones, discoursing wisely of strata, periods, and fossil remains, while Rose picked up leaves and lichens, and gave him lessons in botany in return for his lectures on geology. They led a very merry life, for the Atkinson girls kept up a sort of perpetual picnic, and did it so capitalally that one was never tired of it. So their visitors throw finally, and long before the month was out, it was evident that Dr. Alec had prescribed the right medicine for his patients.